Perhaps you've had this same experience: You're traveling far from home and you spot a Green Bay Packers hat, a Badgers sweatshirt, or an "America's Dairyland" license plate. Seeing that slice of home instantly brings a smile to your face.

Many of you will remember those old words of wisdom from an earlier generation: “God gave you two ears and one mouth — use them in proportion.” That’s good guidance in life, but it’s especially sage advice for politicians, who seem to be the most frequent violators of the rule. Not only is it annoying for voters, but it doesn’t result in the best outcomes for the state, because in reality the best public policy is organic, natural, bottom-up.

Today, Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and Revenue Secretary Rick Chandler released their “Report to the Governor” at the conclusion of their statewide, year-long tax reform roundtable tour. The pair held 23 roundtables across the state and received feedback via taxreform.wi.gov. The ideas and perspectives they heard are collected in this new report, along with background information on taxation in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin wants to send our products overseas — not our jobs. And as a market for Wisconsin exports, China is like no other. Wisconsin exports contribute to Chinese industrial sectors such as industrial machinery, medical and scientific instruments, and electrical machinery. In addition, we have a major presence in a Chinese market that no other state can compete with — ginseng.

We’ve all heard the old saying: family and business don’t mix. But what may not be as well known is that the saying’s popularity is hardly synonymous with its truth. The reality is that the unique structure of the family business gives it a long-term orientation and core values that traditional public firms often lack.